According to data from the Oregon Department of Transportation, there are approximately 4,000 semi-truck accidents in the state each year. Following a serious collision involving a large commercial truck, it is imperative that you know how to protect your rights and your interests. In many cases, an accident reconstruction is an important step in the process. Here, our Portland truck accident lawyer explains why you need to reconstruct a serious tractor-trailer crash in Oregon.
Four Reasons an Accident Reconstruction Can Make a Difference in Your Truck Crash Case
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A Reconstruction Can Establish the Sequence of Events
Truck accidents are often chaotic. These can be extremely complicated cases. It is not uncommon for key details about how the crash occurred to be lost or disputed. A comprehensive accident reconstruction helps clarify the sequence of events, such as when the truck braked, whether it changed lanes improperly, or how fast it was going at impact. Experts use physical evidence like skid marks, debris, and vehicle positioning to help build a reliable timeline of evidence.
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A Reconstruction Can Help to Identify At-Fault Parties
Oregon is a fault-based motor vehicle crash state, including commercial truck accidents. An accident reconstruction can be used to help identify all parties that may potentially bear legal liability for the crash. Depending on the specific circumstances, liability could fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, or even the truck manufacturer. A reconstruction can reveal whether driver negligence, mechanical failure, poor roadway design, or any other issue played a role in causing the truck accident.
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A Reconstruction Can Ensure Evidence is Preserved
Truck accident scenes are cleaned up quickly, and perishable evidence can be lost if not documented promptly. Accident reconstruction preserves vital information by analyzing crash site data, vehicle damage, and electronic control module (“black box”) records.
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A Reconstruction Can Allow for Supporting Expert Testimony
In Oregon truck accident litigation, expert testimony often plays an important role. A professionally conducted reconstruction provides the foundation for credible, persuasive expert opinions in court. The expert can explain to a jury how and why the crash occurred, using simulations, diagrams, or 3D modeling. Without reconstruction, it can be difficult to convey the dynamics of the crash or establish causation with the level of detail needed to win your case.
Consult With Our Portland, OR Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland semi-truck accident attorneys are aggressive, experienced advocates for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a tractor-trailer crash, we can help. Our firm has relationships with top accident reconstruction experts in Oregon. Contact us today for a free case review. With an office in Portland, our firm handles truck accident cases throughout the entire region in Oregon.
